Tire valve stem cap



R. G. RADER TIRE VALVE STEM CAP Oct. 13, 1936.

Filed June 10, 1935 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 13, 1936 UlTED STATES PATENT OFFIQE VALVE STEM CAP Ralph G. Rader, Dederick, Mo. Application June 10, 1935, Serial No. 25,885

, v I a 1 Claim.' (01. 152-12) This invention relates to caps for tire valves, and its general object is to provide a cap that not only seals the end of the valve stem but encloses the latter, regardless of the length thereof, as the cap is adjustable to fit valve stems of various lengths, therefore it likewise acts as a dust cap, as well as a sealing cap.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cap for valve stems that includes a sealing gasket which is rotatably mounted with respect to the cap structure, therefore the gasket will not crimp or become distorted when pressure is applied thereto, in contacting the valve stem, and casual unscrewing action that is caused by the gasket crimping has been eliminated, consequently a positive seal is assured.

Another object of the invention is to provide telescopically mounted cap sections to bring about the adjustable feature and each is secured to the valve stem with the result it will be seen that removal and displacement is prevented.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a cap of the character set forth, that is simple in construction, inexpensive to manu- 5 facture, easy to apply and remove, and extremely efiicient in operation and service.

This invention also consists in certain other features of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, to be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and specifically pointed out in the appended claim.

In describing my invention in detail, reference will be had to the accompanying drawing wherein like characters denote like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation of my cap in applied position to a valve stem.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken through the cap in applied position.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view of the upper section.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the gasket :up.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the letter A indicates a valve stem of the usual construction and which is provided with threaded outer and inner ends B and C respectively, as shown in Figure 2.

My cap inclu'des telescopically mounted sections, each of which is provided with an enlarged body portion, and the body portion of the outer section is indicated by the reference numeral I while that of the inner section by the numeral 2. The body portions are in the form of sleeves, and the free end of the body portion 2 is inwardly flared as at 3 to facilitate the sliding action of the body portion I on the body portion 2.

The body portion 2 is provided with an an- 5 nular bead 4 adjacentto its inner end and is thence restricted as at 5 to provide an interiorly threaded nipple 6 which is adapted to be threadedly secured to the threaded inner end C, as shown. The bead 4 is provided with serrations 10 as shown in Figure 1 to facilitate the application of the restricted portion 5 to the threaded inner end C. The outer end of the body portion I is likewise provided with a bead 'I having serrations exteriorly arranged thereon and is thence 15 inwardly directed to provide a restricted portion 8 which is interiorly threaded as at 9 or for a portion of its length, to threadedly receive the outer end B. The restricted portion 8 has a closed outer end, and arranged in the portion 8 20 adjacent to the outer end of the threads thereof is an annular groove ID, fora purpose which will be presently apparent.

Loosely mounted within the outer end of the restricted portion 8 is a cup II, but is held for 25 rotation therein through the instrumentality of a plurality of arms I2 that are formed on the open edge of the cup and extend outwardly therefrom at an inclination. The arms I2 are relatively narrow and may be referred to as 30 being spring arms in that they are resilient. The outer ends of the arms I2 are curved to: fit within the annular groove I0, and by that structure, it will be apparent that the cup is held within the restricted portion 8, as shown in 35 Figure 2.

The cup II has mounted therein a cylindrical shape gasket I3 and is held accordingly by penetrating prongs I4 which are cut from the cup and extend inwarcfly therefrom to penetrate the 40 gasket. A single prong may be employed for that purpose if desired. It will be noted that the gasket extends beyond the free ends of the arms or fingers I2 and the gasket has arranged therein a recess or pocket I5 for the purpose of 45 accommodating the outer end of the valve rod which for distinction is indicated by the letter D, consequently it is impossible for the gasket to contact the valve rod, as will be apparent. However, the gasket does contact the outer end of the: valve stem A and sets up a sealing action with respect thereto, to prevent any escape of air in the event the valve of the valve stem should by any chance leak. 55

From the above description and disclosure of the drawing, it will be obvious that I have provided what may be termed a combined dust and sealing cap which may be easily and expeditiously applied to the valve stem A and in the application of the cap to the stem, the inner section may be threadedly secured to the end C, then the outer section disposed about the inner section, and threaded to the end B. When the gasket contacts the outer end of the valve stem A, the cupof the gasket will rotate, consequently the latter will not crimp or become distorted, and therefore a positive sealing action.

will be set up between the gasket and the stem.

that the advantages and novel features of ;my invention will be readily apparent. I desire it to be understood that I may make changes in the construction and in the combi-:

nation and arrangement of theseveral parts,

provided that such changes fall within the scope of the appended claim.

What I claim is:

A tire valve stem cap comprising an inner section and an outer section in the form of sleeves including body portions telescopically mounted with respect to each other, an inwardly flared outer end for the inner section to: facilitate the application of the sections to each other, threaded restricted portions included in each section for individually securing the sections to the valve stem, the restricted portion of the outer section being grooved, a cup mounted for .s rotation in the last mentioned restricted portion, It is thought from the foregoing'description spring fingers extending from the cup and including means received in the groove for maintaining the cup within its restricted portion, and a gasket secured in the cup and. engageable with the outer end of the valve stem.

' RALPH G. RADE R. 

